The New England Patriots will wear a decal Sunday in memory of those killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. (New England Patriots)

The New England Patriots are also planning a tribute for the victims of this tragedy. In addition to wearing their own decal, the Patriots will send up 26 flares, one at a time, during a moment of silence at Gillette Stadium prior to Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. The flares represent an individual memorial symbol for each person who lost their life on Friday morning in Newtown, Conn.

The NFL had previously requested each home team observe a moment of silent reflection prior to this weekend's games.

This is a classy gesture by the Patriots' organization, who clearly have a moving tribute in store. Sunday will start on a reverent tone across the NFL.